UEFA to study racism claim

Press reports
Responding to reports in the press that certain Arsenal players had been subjected to abuse at the match, UEFA communications and public affairs director Mike Lee said: "It is important if there has been abuse, and the players themselves have witnessed this, that it is reported officially to UEFA and not just to the media.

Official reports
"We will look at the official reports from the referee and match delegate, and also consider whether there is any other evidence that could be available," he added. "But obviously if a player has suffered abuse, it is very important that UEFA is contacted and informed. UEFA takes allegations of racism very seriously."

Wide-ranging campaign
UEFA is currently heavily involved in a wide-ranging campaign to eliminate racism from football, and has introduced tougher disciplinary penalties for those found guilty of racist conduct. The European body has also appealed against decisions taken by its own disciplinary authorities in this area.

PSV fine
Last October, after a UEFA appeal, UEFA's Appeals Body fined Dutch club PSV Eindhoven €34,000 for the conduct of their fans at a UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal. PSV were punished for racist abuse directed by their supporters at Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

Slovakia order
Following another appeal by UEFA, the Slovak Football Association (SFS) was also recently ordered by the Appeals Body to play its forthcoming home UEFA EURO 2004™ match against Liechtenstein behind closed doors, as punishment for, among other things, the racist behaviour of some home supporters at last October's UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 7 qualifier against England in Bratislava.